The Morongo Basin Search and Rescue Team is a volunteer unit with the
San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department based at the Joshua
Tree station. The 30+ member team covers a large portion of the Mojave
Desert in Southern California.

Many lost people suffer injury or loss of life for two reasons; lack
of knowledge and not being properly prepared for the desert. It is our
hope we can help make your next outdoor adventure a safe one and save
lives by educating the public on basic survival information.

Helpful Hints to Survive Your Next Trip to the Desert

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Expect the unexpected to happen and you are likely to be prepared.

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Let someone know your trip route, destination, and return date.

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Leave a map or written directions with someone. Let them know if you
change plans after you leave. If you turn up missing, we need a place
to start looking.

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Be prepared. Take plenty of rations with a minimum of one gallon of water
per person for each day. More is better. Take shelter material, plenty of
sun screen, proper clothing, and a first aid kit.

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Take a first aid/CPR course.

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Dress in light colored, loose fitting clothes for the heat, and several
layers of clothing for the cooler weather. Pack a hat.

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Your vehicle should be in good running condition. A safety check before
you leave is a good precaution. Check your tires and gas gauge before you
leave the pavement. Take a tire jack, spare tire, some tools and a towrope
or chain.

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Stay on dirt roads. Avoid going cross-country on what looks like a hard surface.
In just a few feet, soft sand can sink a vehicle up to its axels. Even 4-wheel
drive vehicles can become easily stuck in sand.

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Never go alone. Always take a companion, especially if you are not familiar
with the area. If things go wrong you can help each other.